Why Play is Serious Learning

To the outside observer, it might look like children are simply stacking blocks, pretending to be puppies, or scooping sand from one bucket to another. Under the surface, those fascinating brains are busy building connections that will support language, empathy, critical thinking, and future academic skills. 

From a parent perspective, we can be incredulous as to why toddlers prefer our mixing bowls and that one kid’s meal toy when they have an entire playroom at their disposal. Let’s take a closer look at what’s actually happening during toddler play — and why it matters so much.

Play Builds the Brain

Between ages 1 and 3, the brain forms more than a million new neural connections every second (Harvard Center on the Developing Child). These early years are a crucial window for development, and active, hands-on play is one of the most effective ways to stimulate healthy brain growth.

Through play, toddlers begin to:

• Understand cause and effect (What happens when I push this ball?)
  – The idea of causality allows children to experiment with their participation in the world. Learning that their actions can cause reactions motivates children to be active, rather than passive, participants in the world around them (Active Learning Space).
• Strengthen memory and attention (I remember where I hid that toy!)
  – According to Penn State University, children are more likely to remember an event if they experience an event they understand. Since they are in control of their play, their events are easier to interpret.
• Practice language (Whether babbling or speaking in phrases, play invites communication.)
  – Practicing communication is something all toddlers can benefit from. Children do not have the attention span or energy to fill in the gaps like adults do. They aren’t skilled at making assumptions or deductions. In communicating with other children, they are able to practice communication on a more accessible level.
• Learn self-regulation (Waiting a turn, dealing with frustration, or deciding not to hit.)
  – Sometimes this takes adult intervention, and sometimes children figure it out for themselves (though always under supervision). 
  – “Supporting self-regulation development in early childhood is an investment in later success because stronger self-regulation predicts better performance in school, better relationships with others, and fewer behavioral difficulties. Moreover, the ability to regulate thoughts, feelings, and actions helps children successfully negotiate many of the challenges they face, promoting resilience in the face of adversity” (Rosanbalm, K.D., & Murray, D.W.)

These skills aren’t “extras” — they’re the foundation for future learning, emotional health, and social success.

Play Is a Lab for Life Skills

You’ve probably watched a toddler line up animals, “cook” with blocks, or assign everyone in the room a character in their make-believe game. These moments of imaginative play are how young children process the world around them.

Through pretend and cooperative play, toddlers are:

• Practicing social scripts and real-world roles
• Exploring emotions and empathy
• Testing out decision-making in a safe environment
• Learning to share ideas, compromise, and assert themselves

Play allows children to safely experience new roles, feelings, and outcomes. In essence, play is a form of low-risk rehearsal for real life. 

At The Astor, we intentionally create environments that support this kind of exploratory play — with open-ended materials, inviting spaces, and responsive teachers who guide without interrupting the flow of imagination.

Play Isn’t Wasted Time — It’s Productive Work

As parents, it’s easy to feel like your child needs to be doing “something” to prepare for school. But rest assured: a toddler who is freely exploring, building, talking, and pretending is doing school prep and in a developmentally appropriate way.

It’s common to worry about your child’s school-readiness when the curriculum doesn’t look all that formal. However, at this age learning looks different! Instead of flashcards and worksheets, toddlers benefit most from:

• Hands-on experiences (Think: sensory bins, puzzles, water play)
• Repetition and routine
• Books, songs, and language-rich environments
• Opportunities for safe risk-taking (climbing, stacking, pouring)

All of this supports future math, literacy, science, and social studies skills — by building curiosity, focus, and the ability to persist through challenges.

What Play Looks Like at The Astor

In our classrooms, play is carefully planned and deeply respected. Every activity — from dramatic play to music, block building to messy art — is rooted in child development research and aligned with age-appropriate milestones.

Our teachers observe, guide, and scaffold learning through:

• Intentional conversation and vocabulary building
  – For example, during block play, teachers might introduce terms like “perimeter” or “symmetrical” while guiding children as they build a castle.
• Modeling problem-solving and peer interaction
  – For example, if two children are arguing over a toy a teacher might say “How can you both play with this?”, wait for an answer, and guide them to different possibilities, such as “Maybe you can take turns or set a timer.”
• Providing just enough challenge to keep children engaged without frustration
  – For example, if a child is struggling with a puzzle, a teacher might offer a hint or break it down into smaller steps, without taking over or simply doing it themselves.

We’re not just playing — we’re growing brains, relationships, and confidence.

Final Thoughts

Toddler play may look simple, but it’s one of the most important investments in your child’s future. At The Astor, we protect play because we know what it really is: the foundation for lifelong learning.